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When it comes to masterful planting and payoff in cinema, “The Others” (2001) starring Nicole Kidman is a prime example. Kidman delivers a riveting performance as Grace, a mother living in a sprawling countryside mansion with her two children, Anne and Nicolas. The family is isolated, with the father away at war, creating a perfect setup for this suspenseful ghost story.

The plot thickens on an autumn day when three peculiar caretakers arrive at the mansion seeking employment: Mr. Tuttle, the antisocial gardener; Mrs. Mills, an old, good-natured lady; and Lydia, a mute young girl. Grace, overwhelmed by the enormous task of managing the mansion alone, decides to hire them. But the situation is odd—Grace had not advertised for help, adding an immediate layer of mystery.

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